Overview & Reviews
These days, we've come to expect a lot from Infiniti. But in years past, the Japanese luxury brand actually struggled to find an audience. Only with the Infiniti G35 sport sedan did the company start to regain its footing after years in the red. At the time of its debut, the G35's refined styling and sporty performance made a loud statement.
There were two generations of the Infiniti G35, both built on the same platform as the Nissan 350Z sports car. The G35 distinguished itself in the entry-level luxury segment with a roomy cabin, plenty of performance and a respectable price. For those reasons, the rear-wheel-drive G35 was one of our editors' top recommendations for a sport sedan or coupe that was rewarding to own and drive. More recently, the G35 was replaced by the G37.
Most Recent Infiniti G35
There were two generations of the Infiniti G35 sedan, although the second generation is essentially the current G37 sedan with a smaller V6 engine. The G35 coupe lasted only one generation (meaning, same body style) before being replaced by the fully redesigned G37 coupe.
The most recent G35 sedan was completely redesigned for 2007. Changes included a stiffer body structure, revised chassis tuning for better handling, a more powerful V6 engine and a more voluptuous take on the previous G's styling. It was more or less the same size as the outgoing model, but the biggest improvement could be found inside, both ergonomically and aesthetically. Everything was better put together and materials were higher in quality. The 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 306 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, but a six-speed manual came with the 6MT trim. We'd seriously recommend against this transmission (especially on 2007 models) as it was incredibly difficult to drive smoothly.
The sedan was available in five trims: a base model, Journey, x (indicated all-wheel drive), Sport and Sport 6MT. Most Infiniti G35 sedans will be of the Journey variety, which added items like dual-zone automatic climate control and a six-CD changer. The Sport trims were geared toward enthusiasts and featured 18-inch wheels and tires, a limited-slip differential, sport seats and aggressive tuning for the car's electronic stability system. A four-wheel active steering system was an option that's exclusive to the Sport trims, although we weren't fans of it.
Other than its engine, its name and few other detail changes, the G35 sedan became the G37 sedan for 2009.
Used Infiniti G35 Models
The original Infiniti G35 was introduced for 2003, and was produced in sedan form until 2006 and as a coupe until 2007. Originally, the sedan was available in one trim level until the all-wheel-drive model arrived for '04. The coupe could be had in base or Sport trim. The latter included a firmer suspension, a limited-slip differential and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Both sedan and coupe shared the same 3.5-liter V6, but the sedan originally made less power (260 hp with four doors, 280 with two doors). They were made even at 280 hp for 2005, and both models when equipped with the six-speed manual option got a boost to 298 hp. These horsepower numbers dropped to 293 and 275, respectively, for the '07 coupe because of a change in SAE testing procedures -- actual output did not, in fact, change.
Other than the myriad engine changes, there were other noteworthy updates made during the first-generation G35's lifetime. The sedan received a new hood, grille, bumpers, side sills and taillights for '05, although it was hardly a revolutionary aesthetic difference. The coupe remained mostly unchanged visually. Inside, though, both benefited from a redesigned instrument panel and improved manual transmission with a lower shifting effort. The coupe gained an optional rear-steer system for 2006, while its Sport Package gained a unique front fascia and a big rear spoiler. Bluetooth arrived on all Gs that year. While the G35 sedan was completely redesigned for '07, the coupe remained the same.
In our reviews, we were quite fond of the original generation Infiniti G35. The sedan was a bargain-priced alternative to the BMW 3 Series, while being a little less frantic and more comfortable than the second-generation G35 and current G37. The coupe was the more practical, livable alternative to Nissan's 350Z -- it was a sports car in luxury clothing. If there was one area of concern, it was an interior filled with several cheap surfaces and some unintuitive controls. Headroom was also quite limited in the coupe. One feature that was welcome, though, was the optional reclining rear seatbacks in the G35 sedan, which made it a top choice for backseat comfort.
User Reviews:
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Well-rounded German slayer - 2005 Infiniti G35
By KGM - September 23 - 10:13 amAnyone who is looking to spend between $30K-$40K for a sports sedan with all- wheel drive and has been focusing their attention on BWM, Mercedes or Audi products is doing themselves an injustice by not test driving the 2005 G35X. In the first few minutes behind the wheel, you can tell that the Infiniti engineers logged plenty of hours at the helm of those German benchmarks, and learned from what they experienced. The new G35X performs and handles like a sports car, has the look and feel of a luxury sedan, and shreds snow covered streets like a 4x4 suv. No car in its class can do so many tasks so expertly for so little sticker shock. Sorry 330xi and A4, but there is a new kid in town.
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Sweet ride.... with a lot of power - 2003 Infiniti G35
By achung123 - September 19 - 10:30 amJust got a used 2003 Infiniti G35 sedan with GPS. The first thing I noticed is the strong brakes! They are much better than in the C-class. The second thing is the power. It is strong at ANY speed. The GPS is very nice; but it could be better (I think the respond time is on the slow side). The Bird-view is cool to look at, but it is essentially useless when you really need to look for something. The Bose sound system is nice, but not outstanding, and its layout is confusing. IMO, overall G35 is a the best valued car out there, and the second one is the TSX (in terms of what you get with your $).
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Attention Getter! - 2005 Infiniti G35
By Sarcasmos - September 19 - 4:36 amIf you crave attention, this is the car to get! I just purchased a Diamond Graphite coupe with the sport-tuned suspension package with the gorgeous 19" wheels (I also had a nose mask installed). This thing turns heads....BIG TIME!! Not to mention that the exhaust sound is amazing....I cant decide whether to listen to that or the great Bose sound system!! Oh yea...did I mention that it is really REALLY quick? Trust me....get one of these....you wont regret it!!!
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BMW killer - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Juan Pablo - September 15 - 2:00 amI have had this car for 3 months now, and Im loving it. I test drove it back-to-back with the BMW 3-series, and this car blew away the Bimmer, both in terms of power and handling. And at the price-point, its a bargain. I get more comments about this car from strangers than I do from my Porsche.
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Awesome, but wish I had Navigation Pkg - 2003 Infiniti G35
By dschlain - September 15 - 2:00 amI have had my G35 for three months and still cant wait to go somewhere so I can drive it. I only wish I had paid the extra for the navigation package. I thought I would get an aftermarket navigation package, but they just dont compare to the factory version.
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My G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
By karonz - September 11 - 9:40 pmLove the car! Its fun to drive, has great pick-up and is very nimble. Corners great without any yaw. The only thing I would prefer is that it were a little less stiff ride ... but I had performance in mind when I purchased it, guess you make concessions for fun!
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Really great car - 2008 Infiniti G35
By dmac - September 10 - 11:43 pmI bought this car used at 2 years old with 17,500 miles on it and saved $10K off new. Very fun to drive and stable. It eats gas though, which should be expected. Not as silky smooth to drive as a Lexus, but much more beautiful to look at. RWD fishtails badly in snow, even with stability control. If you live in a snowy area, get the 4WD for sure. Steering pulls strangely at stops on uneven pavement which the dealer told me was normal, but it is a bit unsettling. Acceleration is great (esp. from 50 to 80) and the controls are easy to use. I love to drive it.
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Fun Fast Car ! Great Value ! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By tmlfan - September 9 - 2:00 amFrom the time I took it for a test drive until today almost a year later...I love this car. Handling is comparable to the 330i but the car is bigger and easier to bring cargo when you have to bring the faimily ; ). For you northerners (Is that a word ??) This car handles qutie well in th snow. Add a little weight in the back and with the help of the slip control it is fine...better than my old Subaru ! Infiniti service has only been average to this point...but the car hasnt needed to go very often. If you do get one, Im sure youll enjoy it !!
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G35 Sport Coupe 6MT - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Capt EJ - September 9 - 2:00 amI test drove it and the new RX-8 and the G35 was a lot quicker and more refined. Truly a better manufactured automobile.
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G35X - 2005 Infiniti G35
By Dick - September 8 - 1:06 pmThe quality of the Infiniti G35 is exceptional for a vehicle in its price class. Compared to my Jag S-Type V8, the Infiniti stands head and shoulders above in all categories.
